Husbands, Cats and Friends

I'm joining Brenda at Garden of Learning for the Gratitude Challenge again today.

This Friday morning I'm grateful for:

My hard-working husband -- his patience, humbleness and unconditional love toward me. He's the most forgiving, forbearing, accepting man I know. He's very reliable and stable. He's a rock.



More cinnamon rolls. Yep. Our cell group meeting was canceled at the last minute yesterday, and now we're up to our eyeballs in yummy Peter-made cinnamon rolls. If ya'll were near, I'd bless you with some! Time to bless the neighbors!



Gracie and Sandra, our cats. Plus an inherited outdoor cat that came with the house. I am so grateful we don't have dogs. I am definitely a cat person, not a dog person. Cats are just too smart to be trained, and besides, they don't need it. They don't chase cars down, they don't get into neighbor's garbage, they don't need to be walked or else they pee on the rug, they're not so needy that they have to be petted to have healthy self-esteem, they purr instead of bark, and they actually stay on your lap. To let them go on a walk you just open and close the door, and on and on. Cats rule; dogs drool. That's the way I feel about that. Love my cats. (Sorry, dog people.)

Little Sandra

Big lazy Gracie (aahhh...to be a cat...)

Outdoor cat. The one that came with the house.

Grateful that I'm almost done sewing a new dress for Pauline, which is no small feat here. The children always know when Mom is sewing, because they hear me whimpering, come into the kitchen, and see me hunched over the sewing machine in tears. Really. Every time. You think I'd be a pro by now, but I struggle through every dress I make. A true labor of love. It's worth it though, to see Pauline light up when she sees the new dress. Then to see her in it twirling around is priceless. And I'll have to admit, it's easier for me to make one than to shop for one, especially for Pauline, because she's a very difficult size to fit, and I hate to shop.

All my friends (including you!) are truly a blessing. I am grateful for every friend. We also have a wonderful church fellowship, and the children have so many good friends. I also am grateful for Pauline's high-pitched giggle, especially when she's around her friends.

Pauline and LaWanda giggling

So today I love my loving husband, cinnamon rolls again, cats, and friends.

Join Brenda at Garden of Learning for the Gratitude Challenge, or just visit to be inspired.

Happy Friday friends!

Comfy Robes and Cinnamon Rolls

I'm joining up with Brenda at Garden of Learning for her Gratitude Challenge. Today I'm grateful for:

Cold weather. It got down to 35 degrees F lastnight -- the coldest yet this season, so we'll be able to have a nice cozy fire now.

My big comfy robe that my sister-in-law, Kitsy, gave me one Christmas. It's the best robe I've ever had and it's like wearing a warm blanket around myself. Only it has sleeves. They live in up in New England, so they know about keeping warm. Doesn't it make you just want to stay in it all day? Very tempting. Maybe I'll get dressed before breakfast. Or maybe not.


Homemade cinnamon rolls that my son Peter made lastnight, and the smell wafting throughout the house. Mmmm......


Little boys and all their busy little activity. Two of my boys made a tent lastnight in the living room and slept together in it. They worked really hard on it and were very excited about how it turned out.

Complete with built-in kitchen.


So today, I love little active boys, warm robes and cinnamon rolls. And I'm grateful for a decent night's sleep to enjoy it all! God is good.

Not-so-great photos by Jimi Ann

For more thoughts on gratefulness, click here.

AUTUMN MOON for Sweet Shot Tuesday

This is my favorite photo from this past week. I took it when our family took a nice stroll late Sunday afternoon, right when the sun casts it's golden glow over everything. I love the detail in the differing colors of leaves.

Head on over to Life with My 3 Boybarians where Darcy hosts Sweet Shot Tuesday, to look at some breathtaking photos.

Happy Tuesday! Go to To Fly! to see my son's photo for today.

(Click on picture to get the full effect. If anyone could tell me how to make my photos bigger on this blog, I would really appreciate the help.)